The term robber baron dates back to the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, originally referring to certain feudal lords of land through which the Rhine River in Europe flowed. They abused their positions by stopping passing merchant ships and demanding tolls without being authorized by the Holy Roman Emperor to do so.
Holy Roman Emperor Robber barons Lords Bingen am Rhein Funding Rudolph I of Germany Good (economics and accounting) Interregnum Fiefdom Commodity Congo River Cargo Merchant Hundred Years' War Amazon River Feudalism Rhine Tax Archbishop Mississippi River Ship Church Government Europe
